Camille Saint-Saëns Saturday

[helia]

trissie, we love emptynesting! But we've always had at least one child local (DD29). Still, we don't see her that often. We really like having the house to ourselves.
That would certainly be a big change, Kitty! I'm curious how that will play out. It sounds like he will keep busy. My dh has talked about retirement - but just sort of in passing. I believe we'd be fine financially, although it feels like there's enough instability that we wouldn't seriously consider that now. Also, dh has some very interesting projects at work that he wants to continue working on - although some may be cancelled by the government. He is fortunate in that he also has a lot of private funding, but many of his NSF and NIH grants are currently frozen. Why the govt. wants to tamp down on technical and medical research is not understood by me; these areas are not where "wokism" is being propagated. It is also clear many people don't understand how research works or how universities are funded. Univ. friends have pointed out that this is also the fault of Univ. researchers who haven't explained these things to the public well. -- Maybe more than I should have said, but a big daily reality in a town where a major top tier research university, esp. in engineering and medicine, is located.

Another myth: No, being a university professor is not a cushy job. Good professors don't get summers off. Good research happens year round. And last time dh clocked his work hours, it was 80/week, the same as R who is an MD. Might be less now? - but much more than 40/week. Even in the summer. Dh says efforts to gain tenure just cement workaholic tendencies in professors. LOL!

OK - well, where did that come from!? LOL! On to my day.

The sun is trying to peek through clouds. I'm up and drinking coffee, dressed to jog. I'm planning to do the group 5K jog at 8 a.m. It will feel good to get that done first thing. Then, I'm meeting AA for coffee around 10. There is no CG1 tonight!! But we do have the gender reveal party at 5 - on zoom. I also hope to finish the piles in the study project.

Next:
- back exercises
- gather things
- otd at 7:50 to do the 5K jog

Later:

TaDas!
- up; weighed self -- way up -- but maybe that's salt in the restaurant food last night?
- coffee
- emai deletions + weather website

WEEKLY ACTIVITIES
Sat 8 - 5K/ 10ish coffee with AA/ 5 - Gender Reveal Party online for DS + F /Dinner: from freezer, corn and black bean salad, roasted broccoli
Sun Church/ 3:30 - 5:30 CG2 @ AA? / 6 - ? Host dinner for up to 8 people/ 8:15 Family zoom call?

Mon 8:30 bfast with AC/ grocery store
Tue 6:30 host Tuesday dinner
Wed
Thu 11? - haircut in other town
Fri - Ys in town! (See them tonight?)
Sat - See Ys! (Friends from TX; KY was my BFF when we lived in Austin)/ Dinner out with Ys/ 8 - Concert at local venue with Ys
Sun See Ys?/ PACK for week long trip (dh's week long writing workshop with a publishing company) + CG1 camping trip/ Drive to Chicago - with AA?

June Brain Dumps
This Week - House
- clean fridge
- get 2 guest beds remade with clean sheets
- polish kitchen appliances
- possibly, polish stone counter tops
- repot my little orchid

This Week - Deskwork

General Brain Dump
- progress decluttering clothes - wip
- new phone eventually
- buy queen bed frame + mattress + box springs for dd26's room - wip

MOM
- shelves for her room?
- keep on sprucing up her wardrobe - pants
- scan and email test results to PA - figuring out an alternate way
- sign Mom up for the patient portal - PA at the NH
- check on dentist: when will they be at the NH next? -- called; didn't get a call back

Payroll
- update exam record
- start Exam Prep: 4 Reading + 1 Listening

Brain Dump - Mom and Trust
- get fire safe box for Mom's documents
- email church about the tools in Dad's workshop; Dad would have loved for the church workshop to have them

[FrenchFlybebe]

* * * Good Morning! * * *

And Good afternoon Euro-SHEs!

kittykatt, thanks for the start. Wow, big changes in your everyday life if your DH is to be home every day.

trissie glad you can have some quiet tonight. I find it interesting that you and yur DH are already planning your retirement years' occupations. Maybe I should start considering it with MrNG. I know he would spend a lot of time gardening. I'm not sure what I would like to do all day.

helia I can understand your worries about research funding. It's good that your DH has private funding. Good luck on your 5K!

Condolences to Gma (( )) and your DM. I hope you can soon get used (again) to the house being empty and silent around you.

Sunny morning. Rushed the kids to drive DS9 to athletics / track and field practice, then went with DS6 to large shopping place, chose fruit and veg, picked up the grocery order, drove back 10 minutes late - MrNG had phoned the sport coach to let him know I would be late. I can't believe shopping is taking so long when you have a kid underfoot.
I should be catching up on house chores and on sleep / relaxing activities... Got a hait appt at 3pm, right in the middle of the afternoon, so I won't catch up much. And tomorrow is the local school fair, with kids form each class doing a dance with music, and families are suppoed to spend the day and eat and drink so that the school club gets money for school day outs and such next year. Not a lot of energy but our kids will want to spend time there and buy sweets and play various games...
And DS6 has decided he wants to invite friends for his birthday - he was born in July but school ends July 4th so we have to plan the party on the 28th of June I think. More things to plan, more shopping, more spending.

TADAs
morning stuff
DS9 to track and field practice
weekly groceries and produce
back home, things put away, lunch prepped, served

TODO
clean up kitchen
cleaning upstairs (kids' bedrooms and upstairs bathrooms)
time in Zone (kitchen)
then
3pm hair appt 25 minutes away
then
not sure what, house stuff and entertain DS6
things from the weekly list
fix dinner, choose a movie for family movie night

[trissie]

kittykatt, DBD will be eight in two weeks, so we still have time before that empty nest phase begins
I hear you on all the just-before-end-of-school activities and birthdays to plan, Frenchie! As if the vision of kids at home for two months was not stressful enough!

TaDas
- oil bench and the two small patio chairs
- oversee DS packing
- midday routine
- strip all beds
- darks flipped to dryer
- load of linens started

ToDos
- oversee twins' packing
- remake DBD's bed
- ride to cornerstore to get something for kids to eat for breakfast tomorrow

Braindump
routines
- afternoon routine
- evening routine
food
- dinner
- bake cake base?
organization
- pack / oversee packing for all kids
- drop them off at 4pm
- buy DBD's birthday gift
- check if I am missing anything for both DBD's and DH's birthday cakes
- wrap presents (both DBD and DH)
- DBD's speech therapy
- homework and backpacks
- make medical apt for me - obgyn
- 15 on filing
- amendment to rental contract
- rental accounting
- pharmacy order
- deal with insurance
- declutter DBD's dresser
cleaning
- remake all beds
- spiff up DBD's room
- spiff up DS13's room
- spiff up twins' room
- spiff up master bedroom
- spiff up master bathroom
- spiff up kitchen
- spiff up living room
- spiff up downstairs bathroom/hallway
- spiff up office
laundry
- load of towels
- load of cleaning rags
- ironing
- folding
- mending
- laundry put away
me time
- 15 of exercise
- Bible study
- reading
garden
- plant windowsill boxes
- prune / tie climbing roses
- mow the lawn
- run the pool vacuum cleaner
- sweep front porch
- sweep back porch
- wash trampoline
- plant treatment - pest
- plant treatment - mold & funghi disease
- weeding in front garden
- oil patio furniture
- tree and bushes pruning
- general pick up in garage
- general pick up around the house

[Kittykatt]

Good morning/good afternoon, Helian and FFB

Helian, the gender reveal party sounds exciting - iirc this is for DS and DDIL? If they're happy for the result to be known publicly, will you share the result with us?

Several of our friends/neighbours are connected to our university (I don't *think* any have made professor yet, but I could be wrong) and they certainly don't have the summer off either. From what I understand, it's time for research, book and paper writing, conferences etc among other things. I don't understand the cutting of vital research either. Even if something *may* have a very specialised interest today, who knows what benefits it may bring 10 or even 20 years down the line?

DH's pension is one of the defined benefit schemes, so it's based on salary and years of service, and not dependent on the stock market (thank goodness!). He's still enjoying his job, but feels this would be a good opportunity to take VR and early retirement of he can get it. However, I've been thinking, if he is successful in his quest, then he will have the opportunity for workshops (both online and RL) , webinars etc where all the changes associated with retirement and what to expect, will be discussed. However, there is nothing for the spouses / partners etc. So, if he is successful, I'm thinking of starting a thread, probably in Members Only, asking for advice on the topic, (do's and dont's and what other ladies have found helpful in these circumstances) and hopefully some people would feel able to share their real life experiences. I also feel that someone sharing their "real life experiences" may be a lot more helpful (to me at any rate!) than listening to some 30 something with a whiteboard a d a PowerPoint presentation!!

Enjoy your hair cut, FFB, and look on it as a time for some self care and pampering -you deserve it! Yes, it's potentially very big changes for us. And I know this is a "safe space" where I can say how I'm really feeling as the process progresses - I'm so thankful for everyone on these boards.

Trissie, I can't believe DBD will soon be 8 - I know it's a cliché, but time really does fly!

And now it's really time for me to peel my behind off this chair and tackle my house!

[Bama]

Good morning!

Retirement and empty nesting. What heavy topics so early this morning. From my experience, empty nesting can be a shock to the system so preparing ahead is a very good idea. Dh will retire in a year or two, I’m gearing up to be ready for that, looking forward to it even though I will miss my quiet time. I do like being alone and doing what I want without someone looking over my shoulder.

Heading to Hollywood to do yard work today. A week of stormy weather has wreaked damage on the property. But first, daily chores.

[trissie]

Oh, I missed helia before! I bet being in academia and research is worrisome now We have a friend who was a hosting professor in the USA this semester (he's doing theoretical math) so I wonder what he will say about his experience? We should see them next weekend.
kittykatt, one of the companies I used to work for had a voluntary retirement/severance scheme every couple year. We had this fella in our team, 7 months left till his regular retirement age. So he happily took his 6 months severance package and off he went to enjoy a lovely summer!
Bama, hoping there was not too much damage to the property!

A bit over 30 minutes left before we need to leave. Kids are packed, so I can still do a couple regular things!

TaDas
- oversee twins' packing
- remake DBD's bed
- ride to cornerstore to get something for kids to eat for breakfast tomorrow

ToDos
- afternoon routine
- hang linens on clothing line
- remake DS13's bed?

Braindump
routines
- evening routine
food
- dinner
- bake cake base?
organization
- pack / oversee packing for all kids
- drop them off at 4pm
- buy DBD's birthday gift
- check if I am missing anything for both DBD's and DH's birthday cakes
- wrap presents (both DBD and DH)
- DBD's speech therapy
- homework and backpacks
- make medical apt for me - obgyn
- 15 on filing
- amendment to rental contract
- rental accounting
- pharmacy order
- deal with insurance
- declutter DBD's dresser
cleaning
- remake all beds
- spiff up DBD's room
- spiff up DS13's room
- spiff up twins' room
- spiff up master bedroom
- spiff up master bathroom
- spiff up kitchen
- spiff up living room
- spiff up downstairs bathroom/hallway
- spiff up office
laundry
- load of towels
- load of cleaning rags
- ironing
- folding
- mending
- laundry put away
me time
- 15 of exercise
- Bible study
- reading
garden
- plant windowsill boxes
- prune / tie climbing roses
- mow the lawn
- run the pool vacuum cleaner
- sweep front porch
- sweep back porch
- wash trampoline
- plant treatment - pest
- plant treatment - mold & funghi disease
- weeding in front garden
- oil patio furniture
- tree and bushes pruning
- general pick up in garage
- general pick up around the house

[Lauralind]

Morning all. I think too that all this talk of empty nesting is a good thing. Important to think about. I'm not quite there yet cause ds15 is so much younger than the other 2. But it did hit a little when dd left and again when ds left. Then they both got married in a month and that was big. Ds15 is so unpredictable yesterday I learned more about the school year than most of the year. Sometimes he is so quiet. But it still is going to be different when he is gone. And retirement. That is going to be something else. I already struggle with hobbies and such and dh will be home all the time and I do find it harder to do stuff when he is there. 10 plus years yet. And some of you are still carting 8 year olds around a lot. Life slowly but very quickly changes when they get older. Time flies.

Speaking of time flies I have another graduate in the family. Nephew. Missed the ceremony. Dinner last night was good. His girlfriend and her mom and brother joined us so that was nice. Today is grand march. My ds chose not to do that part. And dd chose to avoid graduation celebration because she homeschooled online. Just her Bible College grad. I have not been to a grand march since I did it 35 years ago .

See what the weather does today. I think it will be inside day mostly. I need to get up in a bit. Made dh wait till I wake up and ease my headache. He wants a haircut. Do that and shower. That should help. I've been so busy lately I have almost half the strawberries to finish freezing down yet. At least I mistimed my auntie. She spent a night with mom and dad and on to the next town or two for a few days. That's ok then we'll see them during next week not landing with the busy grad time. I'm forgetting what else for today.

Post my priority list when I remember what it is lol . First off dh haircut.

Haircut
Shower
S&s both baths and reboot laundry
Tidy laundry room and master bedroom some
Empty and reload dw with last night's stuff
Wash my pans etc
Work on berries

[L.Ann]

Quick post and then off to see Little Bit dance.

1-dance performance
2-lunch out

Menus
Saturday-leftovers since we are going out after the dance recital
Sunday-grilled lemon chicken Caesar salad
Monday-cranberry chicken lettuce wrap

Events
Saturday-dance recital@11 and then lunch out
Sunday-walk with friend@9???
Monday-Little Bit 7:40-5, swim lesson 11, pest control people between 12 and 2
Tuesday-Little Bit 7:40-5, swim lesson 11, breakfast out with friends
Wednesday-Little Bit 7:40-5, swim lesson 11, DD32 w/PS until 8, cheerleading
Thursday-Little Bit 7:40-5, swim lesson 11, dog to kennel@3:30
Friday- summer games special Olympics cheerleading 10-1 (is Little Bit going with us?)

Weekly House Blessing-mop bathroom, dining room, kitchen, vacuum, dust, windex, trash, swish and swipe
Detailed Cleaning My bedroom- vacuum, wash window, wash curtains, polish furniture, windex pictures
Extra Stuff- work on last Shutterfly book
Little Errands-

Accomplishments
-knee and stretching exercises
-breakfast for dog and me
-diet site
-dress, shower and pickup bedroom
-quick drawer reorganization
-meds,temp and breakfast for DD32
-outside walk
-quick house pick up

[helia]

I will share the gender of the dgbaby after the party tonight!

Back from the 5K. It does feel good to have my exercise for the day done by 9 a.m. I'm meeting AA at a downtown coffee shop at 10:30, so I need to jump in the shower soon.

I'm not familiar with a grand march, Lauralind. What is it? Or maybe it's just a Canadian term for part of the graduation formalities? Enjoy time celebrating with family!
And trissie, I missed your comments about remoskas. So interesting! Are you going to the cottage?
I hope the damage wasn't too severe, Bama. Is that also your property?
I wish dh had a pension, Kitty. My father did. Dh does low-risk investments, which helps. Dh's research and development of micro-sensors has a huge variety of applications.
FFB, are you happy with your haircut?
Enjoy the dance recital, L Ann!

Next:
- s2s and self care
- make the bed
- some qt?

Later:
- coffee with AA
- finish the piles I was going through
- lunch
- payroll: finish AR Exam draft
- payroll: start AIR Exam draft
- darks: w d f pa
- lights: w d f pa
- gas the car?
- other things on brain dump list?
- 5 - 6 gender reveal party on zoom
- Dinner: turmeric chicken (from freezer), corn salad, roasted zucchini, rice
- after dinner clean up
- duo
- update health apps (WW, Noom, MFP)
- read book for fun!

TaDas!
- up; weighed self -- way up -- but maybe that's salt in the restaurant food last night?
- coffee
- email deletions + weather website
- back exercises
- gathered stuff; otd to park
- jogged 5K
- texts with AA: coffee downtown at 10:30

[Peaches1000]

Good morning!

Next:
-Check email
-Update Toodledo
-Check bank accts/Amex
-Fresh food for kitty
-Bedroom - pupa
-Open blinds/get water

Extras:
-Change daily routine list - add PT/OT/Speech daily work
-Neuro referral fup - 6/10 msg
-Declutter/organize - 15 min
-Files/Med Info/Papers/Emails - 15 min
-DS - (cat fountain)(outdoor - vinegar/pest)
-Toodledo tasks - Amex activity/DH reim recon/set up DS pymt (6/10 hldg)
-Orders - my birth certificate

Routine:
-Gather dirty laundry/sort
-Laundry #1 to washer
-Laundry #1 to dryer
-Laundry #1 hang/fold
-Put away laundry

-Foyer Bath - pupa/restock
-Cat - brush/food/water/litter
-Vacuum something
-Close blinds
-Open & sort mail/file

Done:
-Medicine/vitamins
-This & that